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Physical Science (Grade 8) Midterm — Semester 2, Form A

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Science Grade 8 15 multiple choice + 1 written

Free printable Physical Science midterm (Grade 8): 15 multiple-choice questions plus 1 written response covering Forces & Motion, Energy, Waves, Electricity & Magnetism. Answer key included — customize it in the Midterm Maker.

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Physical Science (Grade 8) Midterm — Semester 2, Form A
Name: Date: Period:

Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. Answer the written response in complete sentences.

Covers: Forces & Motion · Energy · Waves, Electricity & Magnetism

Part 1: Multiple Choice

  1. How is velocity different from speed?
    1. A. Velocity is measured in newtons
    2. B. Velocity ignores distance
    3. C. Velocity includes direction
    4. D. Velocity is always faster
  2. Two teams pull on a rope with equal force in opposite directions. What happens to the rope?
    1. A. It moves with twice the force
    2. B. It speeds up toward one team
    3. C. It accelerates straight upward
    4. D. It does not accelerate because the net force is zero
  3. An astronaut travels from Earth to the Moon. What happens to her mass and weight?
    1. A. Her mass decreases, but her weight stays the same
    2. B. Her mass stays the same, but her weight decreases
    3. C. Her mass and weight both stay the same
    4. D. Her mass and weight both decrease
  4. What is the SI unit of force?
    1. A. Watt
    2. B. Joule
    3. C. Kilogram
    4. D. Newton
  5. A car travels 150 km in 3 hours. What is its average speed?
    1. A. 450 km/h
    2. B. 30 km/h
    3. C. 50 km/h
    4. D. 153 km/h
  6. Using KE = ½mv², what is the kinetic energy of a 2 kg ball moving at 3 m/s?
    1. A. 6 J
    2. B. 9 J
    3. C. 18 J
    4. D. 3 J
  7. What does the law of conservation of energy state?
    1. A. Energy is used up when work is done
    2. B. Energy is created by machines
    3. C. Energy disappears as heat
    4. D. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form
  8. Which is a renewable energy resource?
    1. A. Natural gas
    2. B. Oil
    3. C. Wind
    4. D. Coal
  9. A book resting on a high shelf has which type of stored energy?
    1. A. Gravitational potential energy
    2. B. Thermal energy
    3. C. Kinetic energy
    4. D. Sound energy
  10. A metal spoon in hot soup gets hot along its handle. What type of heat transfer is this?
    1. A. Radiation
    2. B. Conduction
    3. C. Convection
    4. D. Insulation
  11. In a simple series circuit with three bulbs, what happens if one bulb burns out?
    1. A. The other bulbs flicker on and off
    2. B. Only that bulb goes out
    3. C. All the bulbs go out
    4. D. The other bulbs get brighter
  12. What happens when the north poles of two magnets are brought together?
    1. A. They repel each other
    2. B. They lose their magnetism
    3. C. They attract each other
    4. D. They become electrically charged
  13. A generator converts which form of energy into electrical energy?
    1. A. Nuclear energy
    2. B. Mechanical energy
    3. C. Light energy
    4. D. Chemical energy
  14. Which material is the best conductor of electricity?
    1. A. Plastic
    2. B. Copper
    3. C. Glass
    4. D. Rubber
  15. Why can't sound travel through the near-vacuum of outer space?
    1. A. Sound only travels during the day
    2. B. Starlight blocks sound waves
    3. C. Sound needs matter to travel through
    4. D. Space is too cold for sound

Part 2: Written Response

  1. Using Newton's three laws of motion, explain what happens to a soccer ball from the moment it is kicked until it stops rolling.

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